Kaduna targets youth inclusion in digital economy with new innovation centres

The Kaduna state government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a tech-savvy and globally competitive generation of young people.

Speaking at an event to commemorate World Youth Skills Day on Thursday, Hadiza Balarabe, the deputy governor, said the Uba Sani administration has unveiled a multi-pronged strategy to integrate youth into the digital economy through skills development and innovation hubs.

Balarabe, who was represented by Sagir Balarabe, special adviser on human capital development, said the government investing heavily in digital literacy, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship training to prepare the youth for the realities of the 21st-century economy.

She digital transformation and automation are reshaping the world of work — and governments must act decisively to avoid leaving young people behind.

“We are currently constructing three world-class skills development centres across the three senatorial zones of our State, including the recently commissioned Skills Acquisition Institute in Rigachikun, performed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.

“These centres are designed to serve as hubs of innovation and opportunity, where young people can acquire skills that will make them globally competitive in the 21st Century.”

The deputy governor said the administration has prioritised human capital development since taking office, working closely with development partners to expand training in information and communication technology (ICT), artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship.

“These collaborations are essential, as we seek to bridge the digital divide and ensure that no young person in Kaduna is left behind,” she said.

In her welcome address, Gloria Ibrahim, commissioner for youth development, said this year’s event, themed ‘Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills’, reflects the urgency to reorient education and training systems to meet the demands of the digital age.

‘’In a world driven by relentless technological advancement, we gather under the timely theme: Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills,’’ she said.

“Artificial Intelligence, data science, digital literacy, and coding are no longer futuristic concepts – they are today’s essential currencies.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution demands that we pivot decisively towards a skills revolution. Our youth must not just adapt; they must lead and innovate.”

Ibrahim added that Governor Uba Sani’s administration has placed youth development at the centre of its governance agenda, guided by the belief that economic prosperity and security can only be sustained when young people are empowered and included.